Enclosure Assembly and Method

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for the storage of goods within a cavity is disclosed. The unique shape and appearance of the enclosure not only allows the enclosure to protect the goods contained therein, but also is quickly and easily identifiable and allows the enclosure to function as an indicator of the source and quality of the goods contained therein. The enclosure is preferably formed from a single piece of material (preferably cardboard or the like) and is folded to form a base, left and right sides, left and right arms, and an upper region. The enclosure may also include one or more apertures that allow potential consumers to view and/or touch the goods contained within the cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/337,973 filed on Jan. 23, 2006 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/671,800, filed Apr. 15, 2005, both incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to packing enclosures for goods and more particularly, relates to packing enclosures for goods resembling a shirt.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Packaging enclosures typically serve several important functions. For example, just a few of the many functions that packaging enclosures typically serve include protecting the goods stored within, arranging the products for convenient display, and preventing theft. One of the most important functions that packaging enclosures serve, however, includes brand marketing and brand/product recognition.

Distinctive packaging enclosures allow a potential consumer to quickly and easily identify the goods of a specific manufacturer from those of competing companies. The packaging enclosure also can serve as a unique way of presenting a gift to someone.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the present invention features an enclosure assembly for the storage of an object. The enclosure assembly includes a body having a longitudinal and a transverse axis and defining an internal cavity sized and shaped to substantially contain the object. The body also includes a front and a rear surface, an upper and a base surface, a first and a second side section, and a first and a second arm section. The body is preferably the body is formed from a single, unitary piece such as cardboard, paper, plastic, or the like. The first and second arm sections are disposed about the first and second side sections, respectively, and extend generally outwardly along the transverse axis of the body from the upper section and generally towards the base section.

The front and rear surfaces are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the body and optionally include one or more apertures. The upper and base surfaces are each disposed generally perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces and about generally opposite ends of the longitudinal axis of the body. The upper surface is preferably generally concaved towards the base surface and optionally includes a plurality of fingers. The base surface is preferably substantially planar.

The first and second side sections are disposed along generally opposites ends of the transverse axis of the body and are generally parallel to each other. The first and second side sections are also each disposed generally perpendicular to the front, the rear, the upper and the base surfaces and optionally have a generally trapezoidal shape.

According to another embodiment, the present invention features an enclosure having a body defining an internal cavity sized and shaped to substantially contain an object. The body features a front section, a rear section adapted to be disposed substantially parallel to the front section and having substantially an identical shape as the front section, at least one side section disposed generally perpendicular to the front and the rear sections about a perimeter of the front and the rear sections, and a first and a second arm section extending generally outwardly from an upper region of the front and the rear sections and generally towards a lower region of the front and the rear sections. In the preferred embodiment, the front section, the rear section, the at least one side section, and the first and the second arm sections are formed from a single, unitary piece.

Optionally, one or more apertures forming a passageway to the cavity are disposed in at least one of the front and rear sections. Additionally, the first and the second arm sections may also include apertures forming a passageway to the cavity. The upper surface is preferably generally concaved towards the base surface.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention features a method of forming an enclosure resembling a tee shirt. The method comprises the acts of stamping a body from a single, generally planar piece of material, forming a base from the body, forming an upper region including folding at least one finger from the first and/or the second end regions, securing the sides to an adjacent portion of the central region, and securing the finger to an adjacent portion of either upper regions. The body preferably features a longitudinal and a transverse axis and includes a first and a second end region disposed about substantially opposite ends of a central region along the longitudinal axis. The first and the second region each include a first and a second arm section extending generally outwardly from the first and the second regions along the transverse axis and generally towards the central region.

The act of forming the base from the body includes folding a first and a second parallel, transverse line about middle section of the central region of the body. The first and the second transverse lines are generally parallel and spaced apart from each other such that the end regions and the arm sections are disposed substantially opposite and parallel to each other. The act of forming the sides includes folding a first and a second longitudinal line about a left and a right side edge of the central region, respectively. The longitudinal lines are generally parallel to each other.

In the preferred embodiment, slots are formed in the side regions and in the finger and tabs are also formed in the central region and the end regions. The tab are sized and shaped to be secured to the slots in the side regions and the finger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of an assembled enclosure according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of an unassembled enclosure according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the method of assembling the enclosure according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a partially assembled enclosure according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of one embodiment of a partially assembled enclosure according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the partially assembled enclosure shown in FIG. 5 according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembled enclosure according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment, the present invention features a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional enclosure 10, FIG. 1, generally resembling a shirt. The enclosure 10 includes a body 14 having a generally rectangular shape, and a first and a second arm region 16, 18 extending generally outwardly from a top region 20 of the body 14 and towards a base region 22. The top region 20 preferably has a generally concaved outer perimeter 24. The enclosure 10 forms a cavity 11 that is preferably used to store one or more articles, goods, or the like as will be explained hereinbelow. The overall shape and appearance of the enclosure 10 creates a unique and identifiable impression and aids in marketing.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an unassembled enclosure 10 is shown. The enclosure 10 is preferably constructed from cardboard, paper, or the like and is intended to be formed or created from a generally planar material. The enclosure 10 preferably includes a body region 14, a first and a second arm region 16, 18, a top region 20 and a base region 22 as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow.

To begin, the unassembled enclosure 10 is cut, stamped, or otherwise created from a generally planar material, act 310, FIG. 3. The act of stamping the enclosure 10 includes cutting the perimeter P of the enclosure 10, forming any openings 30, and optionally forming one or more fold lines A-K. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the dimensions of the enclosure 10 are dependent upon the specific intended application (e.g., overall size of the enclosure 10 as well as the size of the cavity 11), and are therefore within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

Once the enclosure 10 has been stamped and the perimeter P has been formed, the enclosure 10 is preferably folded along the dotted lines A and B at approximately 90-degree angles, act 320. Once folded, the dotted lines A and B form the bottom wall or surface 32 of the enclosure 10.

Next, the enclosure 10 is preferably folded at approximately 90-degree along lines C and D to form the left and right sidewalls 34, act 330. While the sidewalls 34 are shown extending outwardly from the front region 38 of the body region 14 (see FIG. 4), the sidewalls 34 may alternatively extend outwardly from the back region 40 of the body region 14.

Optionally, the sidewalls 34 are also folded at approximately a 90-degree angle along lines E and F to form flaps 43, act 340. Flaps 43 are preferably secured to the opposite face of the body region 14 (i.e., the back face as shown in FIG. 2), act 350. Optionally, the flaps 43 include one or more openings 42 sized and shaped to accept one or more tabs 46 created by folding the body region 14 along lines G and H are approximately 90-degree angles. When the tabs 46 are inserted within the openings 42, the sidewalls 34 are secured.

While the sidewalls 34, FIG. 5, are shown extending from base 32 generally upwards towards the top region 20, other dimensions and locations are also possible. For example, the sidewalls 34 may be disposed only within the middle of the body region 14. Alternatively, the sidewalls 34 may include two or more regions 34 a and 34 b as shown in FIG. 6. Any modifications necessary are considered to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, the arms 16, 18 and the sidewalls 34 include one or more openings or apertures 50 (best seen in FIG. 1). These openings/apertures 50 function to allow a user to see at least a portion of the contents stored within the cavity 11 formed by the enclosure 10. Alternatively, the sidewalls 34 and the arms 16, 18 of the enclosure 10 may be substantially solid.

The top region 20, FIG. 1, includes a top surface 55 which is formed by folding the enclosure 10 along the fold line I, FIG. 2, approximately 90-degrees, act 360. For illustrative purposes only, the enclosure 10 is shown having five fingers 57 ^(i)-57 ^(v). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the enclosure 10 may include more or fewer. It is also important to note that while the fingers 57 are shown extending outwardly from the front face 38 of the top surface 20, the fingers 57 may alternatively extend outwardly from the back surface 40 of the top surface 20.

While the enclosure 10 may have a substantially planar top surface 55, the top surface 55 of the enclosure 10 preferably has a concaved shape. When the top surface 55 has a concave shape, it is necessary to include at least two fingers 57 in order to form the concave shape.

The fingers 57 are secured to opposite side of the top surface 20, act 370. In the preferred embodiment, the fingers 57 are optionally folded along fold lines J at approximately 90-degrees to create flaps 59. The flaps 59 are then preferably secured to the opposite side of the top surface 20. Optionally, the flaps 59 include one or more apertures, openings, or slots 60. These slots 60 engage tabs 62 disposed on the opposite side of the top surface 20.

The enclosure 10, FIG. 7, may optionally include one or more apertures 30 disposed on front and/or the back surfaces 38, 40 of the body region 14. The apertures 30 allow a potential consumer to view and/or touch the contents stored within the cavity 11 similar to the apertures 50 discussed above. Additionally, the enclosure 10 may include one or more hanging tabs 66 secured to the top region 20. The hanging tabs 66 facilitate displaying the enclosure 10 on a common display rack or the like.

It is important to note that while the enclosure 10 has been described having tabs, slots, and the like to secure the various sides of the enclosure 10, the sides of the enclosure 10 may alternatively be secured using an adhesive, staples, or the like as is well known.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method of forming an enclosure resembling a tee shirt, said method comprising the acts of: stamping a body from a single, generally planar piece of material, said body having a longitudinal and a transverse axis and including a first and a second end region disposed about substantially opposite ends of a central region along said longitudinal axis, said first and said second end regions each including a first and a second arm section extending generally outwardly along said transverse axis and generally towards said central region; forming a base from said body including folding a first and a second parallel, transverse line about middle section of said central region of said body, said first and said second transverse lines being generally parallel and spaced apart from each other such that said end regions and said arm sections are disposed substantially opposite and parallel to each other; forming a first and a second side including folding a first and a second longitudinal line about a left and a right side edge of said central region, respectively, said first and said second longitudinal lines being generally parallel to each other; forming an upper region including folding at least one finger from at least one of said first and said second end regions; securing said first and said second sides to an adjacent portion of said central region; and securing said at least one finger to an adjacent portion of either end regions.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19 further including the acts of: forming a slot in said side regions; forming a tab in said central region, said tab sized and shaped to be secured to said slot in said side regions during said act of securing said first and said second sides to said adjacent portion of said central region; forming a slot in said at least one finger; and forming a tab in at least one of said end regions, said tab sized and shaped to be secured to said slots in said at least one finger during said act of securing said at least one finger to said adjacent portion of either upper regions. 